Quicky service on a Harley Shovelhead SU Carburetor

Season change, possibly fuel formula, sitting too long, gotta keep up on maintenance on my Shovelhead. The gas smells bad. Let's just do the routine maintenance.

[@flashgordon2816]

Now I know a little more of why a buddy of mine during later '70's ran SU carbs on his Shovelheads.>> I used to keep a dedicated for task screwdriver with just the right diameter tapered handle dropped down into a keyring on outside of tool bag to adjust carb for elevation on the fly....Find that now emptied out tool bag around here somewhere & that same screwdriver is probably still in that ring with edge of top flap holding it in place...LOL!

[@pacificmike9501]

Yup. A little pocket on the back of my saddlebag.

[@stevegappa2959]

Been running nothing but SU for past 50 years on my chops. One myth that you perpetuated, is about oil in the dampener. Oil has a direct effect on the dampening... and as the instructions state "Use no oil in the dampener. Once a month remove the dome nut and lightly spray with WD-40 inside the dome." I also highly recommend lightly wiping down inside of bell and slide with a clean cloth and WD during routine maintenance. Some thing I want to mention since a bunch of SU guys will read this, and it might save them time and trouble down the road- a problem that cause me grief for far too long- bike started normal, then ran rich. Very rich. No amount of jetting etc fixed it. The problem was this- on the end of the enrichener rod inside the carb body, on the end past the air valve- that O ring had harden, and wasn't proving a good seal. Looked good enough on inspection, so I gave it a pass. A snippet I read on a forum mentioned that O ring, so a re-examination proved it to be the culprit.

[@pacificmike9501]

Interesting. Until lately, I never had problems with seals drying out or gasoline going bad in my Shovel. It never sat that long. Nowdays, things are a little different. Thanks for you input.

[@stevegappa2959]

what confused me, was the o ring never touches gas, it's an air flow seal to give it vacuum.

[@pacificmike9501]

You know. I'm going to have to study on this a bit.

[@stevegappa2959]

I went and looked it up... the o ring, is on the far end of the throttle spindle- and controls the air flow when enrichener is used.

[@matthewswartz5864]

Some hick up. Old stinkin gas. I got gas, sometimes all day loooooong.

[@rangercwgbear6352]

Thanks Mike got a 1984 shovel and good video picked it up last year been setting for 15 years and going back thru your older videos to see what all needed to get her going

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. Be sure and get a genuine service manual that includes your year Evo.

[@Mopar46]

Had a Rivera SU on my Shovel in the 90s. Curved manifold put it under my right leg, [with the forward controls.] Cold morning first start routine, was pour a pot of hot tap water over the manifold, and she'd fire right up. That was the long manifold; nothing wrong with the carby; she ran like a beauty; never missed a beat!

[@pacificmike9501]

You bet.

[@parn490]

Thank's Mike, SU's alwaws intrigued me. Love to see you get back on the Flathead

[@pacificmike9501]

Me too.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@arthurleino]

I remember my friend had a SU on his Panhead. He had no problem keeping up with us riding Shovelheads. I had a Delorto phm pumper on mine. From Riviera also. Thanks for this!

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, Rivera had some very qualitlty and inovative stuff.

[@JamesJohnson-ny3xz]

My plate is a hole saw and a one way street sign. I had a lady friend, she kept a one way street sign in her headboard cubbi for year’s.

[@pacificmike9501]

We don't always say those things on KZbin. Don't want to encourage bad habits.

[@monicazaso7905]

Mike, you have successfully addicted my husband to your channel! Your videos are about the only thing he will binge watch (and yes, we have a wide selection of streaming services). When I hear "see you on the road," I anticipate he will be unavailable for the next few hours😂

[@pacificmike9501]

That is awesome!

[@jamesberry276]

I'm addicted as well. Very informative yet fun to watch @ the same time. Mike has Kool stories to go with the instruction. Reminds me a tad of decades ago the techs & tricks manuals that were cartoon illustrated by the same person who did some in the old easyrider magazines. Good fun & great info too!

[@Gus7988]

Would love to hear you reminiscing about some of your favorite rides, on your favorite bikes.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I throw a little in here and there. There are a lot of stories that really shouldn't be told.

[@jameskelly7003]

The first carb I ran on my pan when I first built it 30 years ago was an SU by Rivera. You're right that it's definitely a ballsy carb. I loved the tickler. Just like the Amals on my Norton. Started easily all the time. One winter day, the bike suddenly started running badly and quit. The piston had frozen in the dome, so the needle and piston were in the wrong place with respect to the throttle plate. The tuning was right on, but maybe I didn't have the right lube or something. Tried a Super E, but settled on a Super B. Amazing how much better that bike responded with the B than the E. I was young and impatient back then and just wanted to ride. Today I would try to solve the problem with the SU. 25 years and one rebuild on the B.

[@pacificmike9501]

Nothing succeeds like success.

[@roadwarrior4813]

Thank you, Mike. I used to have an SU and I wish I still did... See you out on the road my friend...👍🏻😎

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I'll look forward to it.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@apaulothegreat1581]

Great again seeing yall. Never seen SU mechanical working. That was very interesting. I have only seen one SU Carb in all my days. It was own a panhead chopper. That was very interesting that it worked off a vacuum. Well I know more than I did yesterday. I'll think the West Coast has sent East Texas a wind and rain storm. Thanks. Ol I looking into ? 1946 Knucklehead setting in barn for years. My best friend pass. Christmas Eve. Friend from summer of 1969.

[@pacificmike9501]

That's very cool. Good luck.

[@samdkatt7947]

I really love SU carbs, I ran one on my 93" shovel for more than 20 years. It was the easiest starting and smoothest running bike between me and my riding buddies. I hear you on the oil in the dome...I used to just lightly coat the piston with a little Marvel Mystery Oil and occasionally a squirt of WD-40 into the dome.

[@pacificmike9501]

Very cool!

[@richardhuber9997]

Back in the 60s I worked for a parts house that was a warehouse distributor for SUs. Always wanted to try one on my Pan but could never afford one. Love the fact you're still doing so much with old school bikes. Brings back a lot of memories.

[@pacificmike9501]

I do love. They weren't old when I started.

[@richardhuber9997]

@pacificmike9501 I'm in my 70s so it wasn't old school for me at the time. I miss those days.

[@pacificmike9501]

You and me both. I miss those days and the bikes and our friends who are now gone. I try to keep it going to the best of my ability.

[@richardhuber9997]

@@pacificmike9501 you're doing a fine job.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I need to hear it from those of us who have lived with these machines and the world they opened up to us.

[@Mike--WA7QZR]

I really like my SU. The only problem I've had with it is keeping the residue of corn gas from clogging it up. A little Sea Foam from time to time, especially after it's sat for awhile, takes care of that.

[@pacificmike9501]

Good idea.

[@robertritchie1258]

Mike, you a re the best! I really appreciate your information. Although I do not have anything but twin cams, I love the details you share on your antique bikes. You convey your love for your bikes, and I think your videos are a blessing to all of us.

[@pacificmike9501]

Wow. Thank You.

[@jasonchicoine4282]

I have been away from you tube for around 6 months. But that just gives me hours of mikes garage to catch up on. I absalutly love you method of clean mechanics work, wiping down each wrench before and after use and all that. Love that ethic brother

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I love the tools as much as the work they do.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@julianschroder384]

OMG the very First Time Mike isn‘t in a Blue Jeans Shirt And a dark trouser. My Lucky day 👍🏼😂😂 Ceep on With the Great Videos

[@pacificmike9501]

😁

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@itsmytimeletsgo]

Ran SU's on my Knuckle for many years, new and modified British car ones for a lot of guys in years gone by. Great carbs! Simple and effective! Still have a big bag of parts, springs, jets etc.Great stuff Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

I've loved them for years and years. I get it.

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

I had a 69 mk||| spitfire dual SU. Detached float bowls , hours of fun. , until the un sync. Added 3 in 1 oil dampened the slides

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes. I had SU's on my 59 100/6 Austin Healey I built up back in the late 70's and early eighties.

[@Harley1Mike]

Love all the vids Mike, it’s been really fun to watch. Keep the shiny side up, and the great work.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks! Will do!

[@glennstatham960]

American Prime Manufacturing

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I was so cold.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂💯❗

[@midnightmc3096]

The indestructible Volvo Amazon's in the 60's had double SU's. From over on the coast ~ Ride Forever!

[@pacificmike9501]

I know. I had them on my Austin Healey. And I've run them on Harleys since about 1980-81.

[@midnightmc3096]

@@pacificmike9501 👍

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@midnightmc3096]

@@cameramanmike2072 👍👍🙂

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

I remember when the s&s carburetors years ago did not have a fuel pump and that's why I went to an su on my shovel ... That was a long time ago

[@pacificmike9501]

Do you remember the Superbowl so you could add an accellerator pump to your S&S? I've run an SU on my Shovel for over thirty years.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

@@pacificmike9501 no ..but accelerate spray could not get used to roll on throttle 😮

[@pacificmike9501]

And there you have it.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@hdevo80]

Yes!! SU super cool carburetor!!

[@pacificmike9501]

I love it!

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@atlasfiresafety6718]

love my new PM hat!

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. Thank You.

[@billmillar7234]

I see you you're wearing "Babydoll"..... very cool 😎😎😎

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Yes, I love her.

[@cameramanmike2072]

❤️👍😎💯❗

[@eugenevohnoutka6323]

Right on, love this ! Mucho thanks

[@pacificmike9501]

My pleasure!

[@robertmayer2071]

i dig the p-38 on the tank cover my dad worked on b 17s over there

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. Thank You. He made that little plane at work.

[@eric-yy2cq]

Spot on mike SU carb better all round performance better acceleration great mpg so simple ive been running a SU on my 1200 shovel for years

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, we have. They also produce more horsepower.

[@stansolley5634]

Love your videos Mike always entertaining, even though I personally don't own a HD I ride British same service requirements & tlc. I noticed you didn't bring out the bent screwdrivers , these things are a must when working with SU's & Amal carbs anyway keep up the good work cheers.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks 👍

[@omnivore2220]

Love it

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@mickparsons85]

Hi Mike, been subscribed for a few years now your videos are great. American Prime Manufacturing is the company you once told me to get in Contact with for SU Kits and they certainly do that thank you for the referral. Also you mentioned about the petcock upgrade form factory Harley. What could you recommend? thanks again Pacific mike and cameraman mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool, thanks. I'm actually old friends with Ben at APM. Just had a senior fade. I really was cold last night. I generally use a Pingel Petcock for serious flow. The old bikes at 74, don't always need it. Your call.

[@mickparsons85]

thanks Mike my SU kit with bowl extension is going on my 1984 flhx Electra glide. ITS still original motor , 4 speed , twin belt. In hearing your comments i thought i must look at this petcock as well. @@pacificmike9501

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@mohawkdriver4155]

Mike, what's the significance of the P-38 Lightning medallion on your upper fuel tank strap?

[@pacificmike9501]

My dad made that at Lockheed Burbank during WW II while he was building big P-38's. It was mounted to the speaker grille in his forty Ford convertible I was almost born in.

[@cameramanmike2072]

🤗👍🙂

[@swn7440]

Hi Mike & Mike, Another great video. I was wondering what petcock you use with the larger gas line. Thanks.

[@pacificmike9501]

I use a Pingle.

[@swn7440]

Thanks Mike

[@atlasfiresafety6718]

Hey Mike, I need a high gas cap for my 72 FLH. Any idea where to look. Also, what do you think of the Ultima single fire ignition for an 88 Evo? Building a softail chopper basket case I got from someone who was in over the head. Was on the cheap. Thanks man. love the Paradise show vids. Keep on truckin brother.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Aftermarket companies have all the old caps. Try V-Twin (Ted Cycle).

[@timmix331]

I'll bet being in California you can't get non-oxy fuel with no ethanol. 👍🖖

[@pacificmike9501]

Not sure what we're getting this week.

[@atlasfiresafety6718]

F! now I want an SU.

[@pacificmike9501]

Not my fault.

[@grandroofing1604]

Howdy Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Hello.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👏🙂

[@Harley1Mike]

Hi Mike, have a general question for ya. When you get your aluminum parts polished, do they get coat with anything to preserve them? They always look great.

[@pacificmike9501]

No, they don't and they require maintenance to keep them nice. A lot of the polished pieces on my stuff are actually done by hand. My own.

[@Harley1Mike]

@@pacificmike9501 Well, you do a great job at it. Thanks for the reply!

[@joeabbott7839]

Ever try useing 220 dryer for heater for the shop

[@pacificmike9501]

That sounds like a great idea. I t just takes up too much space. Got the unit coming.

[@brianvandemortel6710]

Hey guys sorry it’s only what 60 there here in NY it’s a bit colder hell that’s t shirt and shorts weather for me thanks for the video

[@pacificmike9501]

It was around 40. Then it got cold. I'm not at the beach. I'm in the hills.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@jerrybigrig]

😎👍😎

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@jamesnorman7552]

Great video as usual Mike, I’ve just fitted an SU to our Shovelhead, one of the best change’s I’ve made. The Super E was ok but it’s not in the same stable as the SU. I love it. Do you happen to know what needle and spring you’re using in yours? Many thanks for ALL your videos Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

I honestly don't remember. Do you have instructions? If not, call Ben at American Prime Manufacturing.

[@jamesnorman7552]

@@pacificmike9501 Yes, I found some instructions but mine was second hand so didn’t come with optional needles. I was just curious to see the difference,if there was one. Thanks again Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

The needles come in different tapers. They're all listed in the instructions and Ben stocks them all. You just have to experiment. Same thing with the springs. They're all very easy to change.

[@jamesnorman7552]

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks Mike, all the best.

[@jamesnorman7552]

Hi Mike, just a quick update, I went on American Prime website and all the info is there, so anyone fitting an SU to their bike that would be a great place to look at. Thanks for the tip Mike .

[@Sam590ss]

SU carbs, I feel kinda dumb for never hearing of them before. I've got my super E dialed in to the hilt on my '00 88tc. Now you have me wondering if there's more on the table 😂

[@pacificmike9501]

It's a personal preference thing. I like them all, but they're all different. Most people spend a lot of time doing trial and error with their carb, then, when they try something new to them, they hate it because it is different and the learning curve starts all over. I just might do something different, just to learn it, but, I do read directions.

[@Sam590ss]

@pacificmike9501 directions definitely help. I'm always open to new things and ideas. Thanks for broadening my knowledge of what's out there. I'll be watching a lot more of your videos.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. There's so much out there for all of us to learn. I listen alot too, you know.

[@theaverage7550]

Is it Good Old Motorcycle Company who sells the SU parts now? I got some rebuild parts from them for my SUs

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't know them. But, Ben Kudon at American Prime Manufacturing Inc. Has it. (562)-889-8665.

[@dannyarendall5233]

Did the vacuum carb on evows steel the idea from SU

[@pacificmike9501]

Kinda the same, but bunches of differences. 'til popularity went big on flat-slide Mikunis, I installed an awful big bunch of SU's.

[@erictrass3121]

Hey Mike I have a 77 FLH with dyna s ignition. Carbs been rebuild, new o-rings and clamps. New coil and wires. Keeps fouling front plug. Running champions now. Sorry to ask…what plugs you recommend?

[@pacificmike9501]

If your motor is in good shape (valve guides and valve seals and piston rings), you have a vacuum leak. Are you sure the O-Rings are fitted nice from the manifold to the heads? Is your carburetor and manifold supported well so it can't get loose or fall off? In 77 heads, I run RN12YC plugs (short reach).

[@BeardTone]

Hey Mike, quick question that’s not related to this video… sorry but I none of my chopper buddies know the answer. Do you know why the top support tube on an HD frame is called “the country bar”? Thanks sir

[@pacificmike9501]

No, I don't. In fact, I don't believe I ever even heard it 'til about fifteen years ago.

[@yavettekracheymetcalf6194]

I was wondering if you have any shirts with pockets. I want to get my old man a couple of em. But he only likes em with pockets.

[@pacificmike9501]

We may at some point, but I'm sorry to say, not yet. Each new style requires a bit of an investment. And, we've been happy with the quality.

[@billhamby3795]

Ben Kudon SU Carbs American Prime Mfg.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yea. I just went blank. Thank You.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂💯

[@fritzfussell6190]

Hey Mike can you do a video on easy rider tips and tricks books if you have them I was trying to find the books but there isn't reprints to buy you guys have a great day

[@pacificmike9501]

I would check with Paisano Publishing. There are laws protecting them and their work. Not my place to show their stuff. Sorry.

[@fritzfussell6190]

@pacificmike9501 that ok Mike thanks for reply Figured the tips and tricks book could make a good video have a good day and see you out on the road

[@pacificmike9501]

It is good stuff and should not be forgotten.

[@jamesberry276]

Some of us still have them on our shelves, & holding up the couch. Recon they'll make it to Ebay one day. It's funny, these fun videos remind me of those books bigtime! The illustrations were as good as the tips & tricks.

[@eric-yy2cq]

Also SU look the dogs Bollocks

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay.

[@mikhailkosolapov3977]

Carburettor alya Jagur - E type engine XJ 😊

[@pacificmike9501]

Correct

[@mikhailkosolapov3977]

@@pacificmike9501 +Air cleaner cup "blend"design.)

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks for noticing.

[@macksalesky6798]

Well Mike I don't mean to sound whiny either but I think it's got some to do with age I'm cold too. man I couldn't feel my hands

[@pacificmike9501]

I know you're right.

[@cameramanmike2072]

🤗👍🙂

[@vernegibb621]

You need a fiesse flannel

[@pacificmike9501]

You are right.

[@cameramanmike2072]

👍🙂

[@macksalesky6798]

So Mike I have a question I was looking at that SU. that's only the second time I've seen one of them square float bowl bottoms like that I still have a couple of old SU''s still have a couple of shovelheads but anyway that's beside the point tell me about that if you would I would appreciate it like I said i'd have only seen 1 once before might have been on your bike as a matter of fact ha ha anyway let me know man thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

That's just a late style SU. The earlies had remote float chambers. The bottom cover is removed to accept the extended float chamber. It simply stacks in there and then the cover reinstalled. You just have to remember to install the extension tube inside. That extended float bowl is an accessory that was offered by Rivera Engineering.

[@macksalesky6798]

@@pacificmike9501 Well now that they're gone I just have to look around to swap means I guess I've never actually even looked for one but I still have 2 old F shoes I figured 1 of these days I might put 1 on the shovel head especially being sad they used to work good I just ended up with an S&S and that's what happened he using for the last 25 years. Thanks man see you out on the road ha ha

[@pacificmike9501]

American Prime Manufacturing www.americanprimemfginc.com has new ones.

[@boscodog4358]

What lubricates the roller bearings?

[@pacificmike9501]

Roller bearings where, in the motor, in the trans, in the clutch? What motorcycle?

[@mikescanlon6439]

What does SU stand for: Skinners Union.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@charlestomasino9161]

Maybe that's why My bike stumbles when when twist the throttle may be the percock

[@pacificmike9501]

Disconnect the fuel line from the carburetor and see if fuel is flowing, unless you have a petcock with a vacuum line on it. You didn't mention what the bike is.

[@charlestomasino9161]

@@pacificmike9501 thanks sorry it's a susuki which works on vacuum I've checked it gas does flow out but maybe not enough

[@pacificmike9501]

Is the motor stock? Has the intake or exhaust been modified without changing the carburetor jetting?

[@charlestomasino9161]

@@pacificmike9501 no it hasn't I've even cleaned and replace the jets it's got me baffled also replaced the cracked rubber intake boots has 4 carbs they are touchy

[@matthewswartz5864]

Mike, r ya still roller skating?

[@pacificmike9501]

No. I miss the strand at the beach. You a skater?

[@matthewswartz5864]

@@pacificmike9501 use to some at skating rink. Can’t even remember the name of the place. Lol

[@pacificmike9501]

I worked in a drive in restaurant all through high school. It was next door to a skating rink. Both businesses belonged to the same people. I had a key to the rink and I could open it up and skate all by myself. I loved it. When I started skating at the beach, I was in Heaven.

[@matthewswartz5864]

@@pacificmike9501 kooool!

[@careycovington2187]

Hello Mr. Mike, I sent an email to you. When you have time to view and get back to me I’d be very appreciative. Thank you and God Bless

[@pacificmike9501]

I apologize. I don't mean to whine. But things have been a bit difficult lately. I generally answer all of my mail. Again, lately, not so good. Please resend your email to me and I will respond to it.

[@careycovington2187]

@@pacificmike9501 yes sir, no problem

[@careycovington2187]

@@pacificmike9501 I will resend to the email on your website if that works…thank you for your time